Imagine visiting a place where you can feel the magic of the past, the beauty of the present, and the wonder of the future. A place where you can explore the legacy of a Mughal prince who was a patron of arts, culture, and science. A place where you can admire the splendor of a seven-terraced garden that was built on the slopes of a mountain, overlooking a lake. A place where you can experience the legend of fairies and princesses who used to visit the garden at night. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it’s not. It’s Pari Mahal, the palace of fairies in Srinagar, Kashmir.
Pari Mahal is one of the most hidden gems of Srinagar, and a must-visit for anyone who loves history, culture, and nature. It is a place that will enchant you and make you fall in love with Srinagar. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Pari Mahal, from its fascinating history and legend, to its amazing architecture and views, to its practical tips and tricks for visiting. By the end of this article, you will be ready to book your trip to Pari Mahal, and discover the palace of fairies in Srinagar.
The History and Legend of Pari Mahal
Pari Mahal, which means “the abode of fairies”, was built in the 17th century by Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Dara Shikoh was a devout follower of the Sufi saint Mulla Shah, who lived in a nearby cave. Dara Shikoh built Pari Mahal as a tribute to his guru, and also as a place for his own spiritual and intellectual pursuits. He was a patron of arts, culture, and science, and had a keen interest in astrology, astronomy, and philosophy.
Pari Mahal was originally a Buddhist monastery, which was later converted into a school of astrology by Dara Shikoh. He named it Pari Mahal after the legend of fairies and princesses who used to visit the garden at night. According to the legend, Dara Shikoh had a secret lover, a princess from a neighboring kingdom, who would come to meet him at Pari Mahal. She would bring along her friends, who were fairies, and they would enjoy the beauty and serenity of the garden. The legend also says that Dara Shikoh had a special chamber in Pari Mahal, where he would keep his precious jewels and gifts for his lover.
Pari Mahal is not only a monument of love, but also a monument of learning. It was a place where Dara Shikoh and his disciples studied the stars and planets, and the secrets of the universe. Dara Shikoh had a collection of books and manuscripts on various subjects, such as religion, philosophy, poetry, and medicine. He also had a number of telescopes and astrolabes, which he used to observe the celestial bodies. He was one of the first scholars to translate the Upanishads, the ancient Hindu scriptures, into Persian, and to introduce them to the Islamic world.
Pari Mahal is a testament to the artistic and astrological interests of Dara Shikoh, and a reflection of his personality and vision. He was a man who was ahead of his time, and who tried to bridge the gap between different cultures and religions. He was a man who was passionate about life, and who sought to understand the mysteries of creation. He was a man who was loved by many, but who also faced many enemies and challenges. He was a man who left behind a legacy that is still admired and appreciated by many.
The Architecture and Views of Pari Mahal
Pari Mahal is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, with influences from Persian and Islamic styles. It consists of seven terraces, each with a different function and design. The lowest terrace was the entrance, which had a large gate and a water tank. The second terrace was the library, which housed a collection of books and manuscripts on various subjects. The third terrace was the spiritual centre, where Dara Shikoh and his disciples performed prayers and meditation. The fourth terrace was the observatory, where Dara Shikoh studied the stars and planets with the help of telescopes and astrolabes. The fifth terrace was the garden, which had a variety of flowers and fruit trees. The sixth terrace was the pavilion, which had a domed hall and a fountain. The seventh terrace was the highest point, which offered a panoramic view of the Dal Lake and the city of Srinagar.
Pari Mahal is also remarkable for its water system, which used gravity and pressure to supply water to all the terraces. The water was sourced from the nearby Cheshma Shahi spring, which was also built by Dara Shikoh. The water flowed through channels, pipes, and jets, creating a soothing and refreshing atmosphere in the garden.
Pari Mahal is a place where you can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature, and the elegance and sophistication of architecture. You can walk through the terraces, and admire the intricate and exquisite details of the structures. You can smell the fragrance and see the colors of the flowers and fruits in the garden. You can hear the sound and feel the splash of the water in the fountain. You can gaze at the sky and the stars from the observatory. You can marvel at the view of the Dal Lake and the city of Srinagar from the highest terrace.
How to Plan Your Trip to Pari Mahal
If you are interested in visiting Pari Mahal, you will need to plan your trip in advance, as there are some things you need to consider before you go. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you make the most of your trip to Pari Mahal.
Book your tickets and accommodation: The first thing you need to do is to book your flight, train, or bus tickets to Srinagar, and your hotel or homestay in the city. You can use Tripoto, the leading travel platform in India, to find the best deals and discounts on flights, hotels, and activities in Srinagar and Kashmir. You can also read reviews and ratings from other travellers who have visited Pari Mahal, and get tips and suggestions from our expert travel writers. Tripoto is your one-stop destination for all your travel needs.
Check the weather and the security situation: The next thing you need to do is to check the weather and the security situation in Srinagar and Kashmir, as they can change frequently and affect your travel plans. The best time to visit Pari Mahal is during the spring and summer seasons, from March to September, when the weather is pleasant and the garden is in full bloom. However, you should also be aware of the possibility of rain, snow, landslides, and road closures, and pack accordingly. You should also check the security situation in Srinagar and Kashmir, as there may be some restrictions or curfews imposed by the authorities due to the political and social unrest in the region. You should follow the local news and the advisories issued by the government, and avoid any areas or activities that may pose a risk to your safety.
Carry your identity proof and cash: The last thing you need to do is to carry your identity proof and cash with you, as they are essential for visiting Pari Mahal and Srinagar. You will need to show your identity proof, such as your passport, Aadhaar card, or voter ID, at the airport, the hotel, and the entrance of Pari Mahal. You will also need to pay the entry fee and the camera fee for Pari Mahal, and the fare for the taxi, bus, or auto-rickshaw, in cash, as there are no online or card payment options available. You should also carry some extra cash for emergencies, and keep it in a safe and secure place.
Conclusion
Pari Mahal is a hidden gem of Srinagar, and a must-visit for anyone who loves history, culture, and nature. It is a place where you can experience the beauty and mystery of the Mughal era, and the legend of the fairies and princesses. It is also a place where you can relax and enjoy the scenic views of the Dal Lake and the Zabarwan range. Pari Mahal is a place that will enchant you and make you fall in love with Srinagar.
If you are interested in visiting Pari Mahal, you can book your trip with Tripoto, the leading travel platform in India. Tripoto offers you the best deals and discounts on flights, hotels, and activities in Srinagar and Kashmir. You can also read reviews and ratings from other travellers who have visited Pari Mahal, and get tips and suggestions from our expert travel writers. Tripoto is your one-stop destination for all your travel needs.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Pari Mahal today, and discover the palace of fairies in Srinagar. And don’t forget to share your experience and photos with us on Tripoto. We would love to hear from you. Happy travelling!
